Only real estate professionals who are members of the
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) can call
themselves REALTORS®. All REALTORS® adhere to NAR's
strict Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism and
protection of the public. That's why all real estate licensees
are NOT the same.
Dedicated to serving America's property owners at both
local and national levels, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
REALTORS®, The Voice for Real Estate®, is the largest
professional association at over one million members strong.
So, whether you're buying or selling a home-it pays
to work with a REALTOR®. Look for the REALTOR® logo
when choosing your real estate agent.
What is a
REALTOR® and why
should I use one?
What Do Recent Home Buyers and
Sellers Say About REALTORS®?
The 2009 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers provides
research results on the experiences home buyers and sellers
had when purchasing or selling their home. The majority
of the respondents used a REALTOR® (a member of the
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®). Here's what
they had to say:
Home Sellers
- Sellers reported that an agent's reputation was the
most important factor in their selection process.
- Nearly three-fifths of sellers report that they would
"definitely" use the same real estate agent again.
- The top four home seller expectations of real estate
agents are: 1) price my home competitively (22%);
2) find a buyer for my home (21%);
3) sell my home within a specific timeframe (19%);
4) help market my home to a potential buyer (19%).
Home Buyers
- 88% of buyers would probably or definitely use
their real estate agent again.
- The benefit most buyers say they receive from their
agent is help understanding the process.
- 88% of buyers were very satisfied with
their agent's knowledge of the purchase process.
- 77% of home buyers used a
real estate agent and/or broker to complete
their transaction.
The Code of Ethics:
A Commitment to the Public
The Code of Ethics of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
REALTORS® is the promise to the public that when dealing
with a real estate agent that is a REALTOR®, they can
expect honest and ethical treatment in all transactionrelated
matters. Only REALTORS® pledge to abide by the
Association's Code of Ethics and only REALTORS® are
held accountable for their ethical behavior.
Some of the basic principles of the Code of Ethics include:
- Protect and promote your client's interests,
but be honest with all parties.
- Avoid exaggeration, misrepresentation, and
concealment of pertinent facts. Do not reveal
facts that are confidential under the scope of
your agency relationship.
- Disclose present or contemplated interest in any
property to all parties.
- Avoid side deals without your client's informed
consent.
- Accept compensation from only one party, except
with full disclosure and informed consent.
- Keep the funds of clients and customers in escrow.
- Assure, whenever possible, that transactional details
are in writing.
- Provide equal service to all clients and customers.
- Be knowledgeable and competent in the fields of
practice in which you ordinarily engage. Obtain
assistance or disclose lack of experience if
necessary.
- Do not engage in the unauthorized practice of law.
REALTOR® Designations-
The Mark of Expertise and Service
The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® has a
variety of affiliates that provide designations acknowledging
experience and expertise in various real estate sectors.
NAR also offers designations and certification programs
to its members, including:
ABR® - REBAC (Real Estate BUYER'S
AGENT Council) awards the ABR® (Accredited Buyer
Representative) designation to REALTORS® who meet
education and experience requirements to better prepare
them to represent buyers.
CIPS - Focused specifically in aspects "international,"
these REALTORS® have a familiarity with assisting foreign
investors, helping local buyers invests abroad, or serving
an immigrant buyer locally; designees are the best
resource in international real estate.
GRI - A REALTOR® with the Graduate REALTOR®
Institute (GRI) designation is trained in many areas, including
legal and regulatory issues, professional standards, the sales
process and technology. A minimum of 90 hours of training
is required to achieve the GRI designation.
e-PRO® - e-PRO® certification indicates that a
REALTOR® has been trained on Internet business principles
and the technologies required throughout the real estate
transaction.
SRES® - Seniors Real Estate Specialists. When
looking for a real estate professional that will respond
to your specific, 50+ real estate needs, look for a Seniors
Real Estate Designee.
GREEN - NAR's Green Designation. You have
made the commitment to environmental consciousness;
choose a REALTOR® who understands and shares
your green real estate goals. Choose an NAR Green
Designee.
To access information on the family of REALTOR® designations
and certifications, visit: www.REALTOR.org/edmatrix